The beginning

When people find out I am a personal trainer the first question they ask is, "What's the best diet out there?" I know what they want to hear. They want me to tell them there is a miracle pill that will melt fat and tone muscles. We live in a society where the faster, easier way seems to be better. We want to get the most out of our time with the least amount of effort possible. For some things this is a good philosophy, but unfortunately not for health and fitness.
The best, and the ONLY way to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle is through hard work and effort. The process gets easier once you get into routines and healthy habits, but at first it can be daunting.

Am I scaring you? :O) It doesn't have to be overwhelming, but you do have to take a dose of reality before you start so you can maintain achievable goals and a good mindset. I know too many people who exercise for a week and expect to lose 10 lbs like they do on The Biggest Loser. Many people get discouraged when their goals are not met immediately and so they give up.
So. Where to start? Let's start at the very beginning ("a very good place to start", thank you Sound of Music). Finding a good mindset before you set your goals will help you achieve more. I'm going to help you with some reality checks.

Reality Check #1. You are not on the Biggest Loser. Realize that you are a mom, an employee, or whatever you may be and those things take some priority. You can't spend all day, every day working out like the TV show contestants. You, unlike they do, have a life. Therefore, you will not be able to lose your weight as quickly as they do. You CAN lose just as much weight, but it will take you longer. But the longer it takes to come off, the longer it stays off. A good, achievable weight loss goal is 1-2 lbs. per week.

Reality Check #2. There is no magic pill. There never will be either, so we can all stop day-dreaming about it and start doing something. Realize you will have to put some effort into this, but that your efforts will be well worth your time. You are worth the effort. Make room in your schedule to work out for an hour at least 3-4 days per week.

Reality Check #3. Being skinny isn't going to make you like yourself more. Learn to be happy with who you are now and don't base your self-esteem on what the scale says. This will free you to make attainable goals. Lose weight to be healthier. Lose weight to play with your kids. Lose weight to lower your blood-pressure. Lose weight so you can do that activity you have always wanted to do. When you lose the weight you will naturally feel better about how you look, but don't base your self-worth on that.

Exercise and living a healthy lifestyle will improve your quality of life. You will find more energy, you will feel good about your accomplishments, and you will be able to do the activities you love. Start now. Change your mindset and change your life.

That was a long first posting! Stick around and they wont be quite so long. I'll give you workout tips, mental tips and eating tips. All kinds of tips. :O) Ask me questions and I'll do my best to answer.